Punjab government to impose regulation for dengue control

Punjab government has decided to impose a regulation for controlling viral diseases, which will remain in force in the province till November 30, 2011. Under the regulation, all citizens will be responsible for taking all those measures at the houses, shops, offices, godowns, workshops, factories and other places, which are under their use or control as are necessary for checking the growth of dengue mosquito and the spread of virus.
The proposals regarding implementation of the regulation were finalised at a meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here on Tuesday. Elected representatives, Chief Secretary, secretaries of various departments, experts and members of Indonesian medical team were present. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that every human effort has been made for the eradication of dengue virus. He said that in addition to spray and fogging for elimination of dengue, machinery and medicines have been imported for the provision of the best curative facilities to the patients. He directed that extensive preparations be made from now on for coping with the challenge of dengue next season.
He further directed that a comprehensive plan be evolved with the recommendations of Sri Lankan and Indonesian experts and consultation of elected representatives for this purpose. He also issued instructions for evolving a mechanism for the training of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff of private hospitals regarding eradication of dengue virus.
He said that the role of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff in the service of ailing humanity is commendable, however, cleanliness arrangements should be improved in all hospitals and elected representatives should pay regular visits to government and private hospitals for this purpose. He said that all hospitals should also submit a certificate regarding eradication of dengue larvae.
He said that spray at the godowns of tyres is continuing vigorously and it should be ensured in all towns that tyres are not stored at open places, while spray is carried out in their godowns. He said that town committees while taking action conducted spray on the tyres at 1700 places in the provincial metropolis and got them shifted from the open to the covered places.
He said that spread of dengue virus has also provided opportunity to judge the efficiency of various departments and to take measures for its improvement. He said that heaps of garbage lying for years have been removed. He directed that all tube-well of the city should also be checked and measures be adopted for the elimination of the larvae of dengue mosquito if found anywhere.
He said that elected representatives should submit a report in this regard. Appreciating the services of Indonesian medical team, the Chief Minister said that the co-operation extended by Indonesian experts in this moment of trial would always be remembered. He said that people of Punjab are grateful to Indonesian President, government and people for sending the team of their leading experts at this testing time. The leader of Indonesian technical team Dr Rita gave a detailed briefing regarding the training of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff during visit to various hospitals of Lahore.
She said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for the elimination of dengue virus and elected representatives, bureaucrats and experts are working as a team under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, which is highly commendable. She said that in view of the hard work and commitment for eradication of dengue, it is hoped that the problem will soon be controlled.
Chairmen of town committees, provincial secretaries, Commissioner and District Co-ordination Officer Lahore informed about the measures taken for the elimination of dengue virus. The Commissioner informed that measures have been taken for the eradication of dengue virus at 1700 places in 61 union councils and tyres have been shifted from the open areas to covered places.
He said that under the special campaign for the removal of large heaps of garbage, more than one lakh tons solid waste has been disposed of so far. Secretary Higher Education informed that students are also engaged in counselling of dengue fever patients and have provided services to 368 patients in ten hospitals so far.